Up-and-comers featured at Philly Thursday

Chester, PA — A trio of $13,500 contests for up-and-coming horses topped the bill of fare at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon (April 20).

The contest for male pacers featured three sophomores making their debut after displaying promise at 2, and they swept the top three positions. The Betting Line gelding Just Bet It All moved to the lead after Captain Mikey led the field past the quarter in :27.4, then posted middle splits of :56.2 and 1:24.3 as Lyons Surfing came on the scene first-over. Through the lane, Just Bet It All proved ready in his bow, winning in 1:52 (last quarter :27.2) with Lyons Surfing second by a neck and Captain Mikey another half length behind in third. Todd McCarthy drove the winner for trainer Per Engblom and Zippett Racing Stable, Evan Katz and Amos Lengacher.

The filly and mare pace saw an exciting four-horse battle down to the finish line, with the Always A Virgin mare Top Honors overcoming an uncovered trip the last half mile to just catch pacesetter Pasta Momma by a neck in 1:53.2. Tyler Miller drove the winner of $100,455 for trainer Scott DiDomenico and the partnership of Foulk Stables Inc. and Triple D Stables Inc.

In the trotting headliner, Tim Tetrick moved Donzel Hanover to the lead early, and the Sebastian K S gelding had no problem from there, winning by 2-1/4 lengths over Dyladmar in 1:55 for trainer Clifton Green and owners Ashley Burslem and Steven Mullen.

Mullinax equaled the fastest mile of the meet by way of a 1:49.2 win in a $9,900 pacing event, matching Ruthless Hanover’s time in last week’s Open. The son of American Ideal, a winner of $451,348, sat behind fast fractions then darted home strongly for driver David Miller, trainer Mark Ford, and owner William Varney.

Hall of Fame driver David Miller won four races on the card; Tyler Miller drove three winners.

Both winners in the Open handicap paces at Philly last Friday — Ruthless Hanover and Kickupyaheels N — will have to overcome the outermost posts during this Friday’s (April 21) 12:25 p.m. card. There will also be a $3,917.11 carryover into the day’s first Super Hi-5, offered in race three. Program pages for all Philly cards are or will be available on the PHHA website.

Back to Top

Share via